Writing as a ReaderHabits of Mind of the Academic Writer

What is academic writing? A conversation among scholars Informed argument Attempts to understand how the world works

Characteristics Impersonal and unemotional Identifies and questions assumptions Explores alternatives Anticipates opposing arguments Compares experiences Identifies the causes and consequences of

ideas and events

Four Habits of Mind Make inquiries Seek and value complexity See writing as a conversation Understand that writing is a process

(Greene and Lidinsky, 2008)

Applying the Four Habits of Mind Like comparison shopping:

Look at a product in advertisements Research it online Research it in stores Compare brands, features, prices Analyze data Make decision

Make Inquiries Ideas often start with an observation that challenge

personal beliefs or values: “People continually leave their homelands and families to live in the U.S.”

Academic writing begins with a question re: how the world works (Why does this exist? Why is this happening? Do things have to be this way?): “What does it mean to be an American?”

Examines alternatives (Maybe there is another way): “Other countries that offer a similar life.”

Seek and Value Complexity Avoid binary thinking

Black and white Either/Or

Explore issues from different perspectives Sociology: Family survival Economics: Drain on resources Political: Depends where politician resides, Tucson

vs. Miami Legal: Everyone must obey the law

Writing as a Conversation Ideas respond to and build on ideas > new

knowledge Can continue indefinitely as scholars draw on

each other’s research and ideas Use empathy to show respect and value for

others’ ideas

Myths about Writing Writing requires inspiration or natural talent Good writers write quickly A good writer in one context can write in any

context Revising and editing are synonymous

Writing is a Process Start with an idea or issue that matters to you Reserve ample time to

Gather material Consider writing strategy (outline) Draft Revise Edit

Characteristics of Academic Writing Impersonal, unemotional, objective Based on verifiable facts from credible sources Uses sound reasoning and logic Written with audience needs in mind

In face-to-face interactions, a confused audience can ask for clarification

In written situations, a confused audience has to muddle through and guess or just give up

Types of Academic Writing Analytical Critical Synthesis Argumentative (vs. persuasion)

Uses Formal Language Almost never uses the word “you” or any of

its forms Can use the word “I” (no opinions or feelings

allowed) Limits contractions Avoids rhetorical or unnecessary questions

that add wordiness.

Final Words What you learned about writing in high school is

still valid for expository and creative writing College writing expectations are higher: the 5-

paragraph essay no longer exists Opinions (I think; I believe; My experience

proves) are now “claims” supported with facts The act of writing starts with objective, verifiable

facts, not opinions/beliefs/what you have always known to be true